Authorities in the Lower Mainland are preparing to crack down on Halloween fireworks.

Vancouver, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Surrey and other area communities are warning residents of the risks and penalties associated with the use of fireworks.

In Vancouver, the sale and/or use of fireworks is punishable by a $1,000 fine.

Data collected by Vancouver Fire Services shows damage caused by Halloween fireworks has dropped since fireworks ban and fines came into effect three years ago .

The figures show 17 incidents in 2020, three in 2021 and two in 2022. VFRS did not provide figures for 2023.

“Fortunately, I think a lot of people understand the consequences of having explosives by people who are not trained,” said Matthew Trudeau, public information officer for the fire department.

Surrey also banned fireworks and this year increased fines from a minimum of $100 to $400 per violation.

“Maximum fines have increased from $5,000 to $50,000 for serious violations,” said Jas Johal, Surrey’s director of bylaws.

Johal says a serious offense would be a firework setting a house on fire or aiming a firework at a house or vehicle.

Port Moody will also have stricter rules and fines regarding fireworks this year.

The city has amended its fireworks bylaw to ban all fireworks — including their sale, possession and discharge — unless a resident obtains a permit from the fire department from Port Moody.

Local police told CTV News that authorities will work to enforce the rules, with fines of $500 for violations.

In New Westminster, the city’s website states that “no person shall, at any time, offer for sale or sell low-risk fireworks anywhere in the city.”

However, low-risk fireworks can be possessed and set off in the city between 12:01 a.m. on October 28 and 12:01 a.m. on November 1.

“Low-risk fireworks may only be set off on private property with the consent of the property owner, or on public property with the written permission of the fire chief,” the website reads.

“No one should use, light or discharge Roman candles.”

The website lists other rules, such as not directing exploding fireworks at people, animals, buildings or vehicles. Additionally, no person under the age of 18 may possess or set off low-risk fireworks.